Effect of low-dose ultrasonic treatment on growth rates and biomass yield of: Anabaena flos aquae andSelenastrum capricornutum

Major project tasks included assembly of an ultrasonic treatment array and measurement of the cell culture growth rate as a function of ultrasonic frequency, and ultrasonic power level and dosage. Growth rates forAnabaena flos aquae were increased with both single or multiple ultrasonic dosages and were over and above that obtained with vigorous mechanical stirring.Selenastrum capricornutum growth rates were decreased by ultrasonic treatment. The results were also shown to be independent of the degree of cell agglomeration. Collectively, the data support the conclusion that low-dose, short duration ultrasonic treatment induces changes in culture growth rates in both algal species examined.